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Erislandy Lara TKO1 Ronald Hearns [VIDEO]

BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI — Erislandy Lara (16-1-1, 11 KOs) likely closed the book on Ronald Hearns’ (26-3, 20 KOs) career with a vicious first round TKO last night at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino.

The son of the famous Tommy “Hitman” Hearns came out swinging hard but couldn’t land on the elusive southpaw Lara, who countered immediately with a straight left.

That punch would be the harbinger of Hearns’ downfall.

Hearns went for a jab to the body which Lara countered with another straight left. The shot crumpled Hearns, who rose on unsteady legs and a vacant look in his eyes.

Lara quickly pounced with three more left hands that drove a stumbling Hearns into the ropes and was ruled a second knockdown. Hearns’ face wore a look a resignation as Lara hit him with two left hands for the third and final knockdown. Hearns remained down and was attended to by ringside officials.

The knockout was Lara’s first bout since losing a highly disputed decision to Paul Williams last July. Hearns suffers in his second consecutive knockout following a seventh round TKO to Felix Sturm in February 2011.

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The fact Golden Boy doesn’t have Lara deep in the mix at junior middleweight is downright criminal. Then again, is it no surprise that Lara’s name hasn’t even been mentioned as a possible future opponent against fellow stable mates Canelo Alvarez or James Kirkland? Lara is a difficult bout for anyone in that weight class.

As for Ronald Hearns, it’s time for his team to take a serious look at their fighter. This recent blowouts to elite fighters () serve as clear proof that he’s not on that level and shouldn’t continue to have to take these beatings. There’s no shame or disappointment in his career — he went as far as his talent could take him.